After being crushed by Castlegar at home 8-3 on Friday, the Bruins looked a lot a better a day later on the road in Castlegar. Mind you, they still lost but this time by only a 4-3 margin in overtime.
Of course, some would say that it’s better to lose by a lot because at least you didn’t let the game ‘slip away.’
At the Castlegar Complex, the Bruins fought back from a 3-0 deficit heading into the third period and scored three unanswered goals to force overtime.
Scoring for GF were Michael Rand, Lincoln Lane (assisted by Rand) and Mitch Pearson.
Unfortunately, the Bruins gave up the game-winner at 4:09 of overtime to Bryan Lubin of the Rebels.
Jacob Mullen was solid in net for the Bruins, stopping 38 of 42 shots.
On Saturday, the visiting Rebels crushed the Border Bruins 8-3 in an inter-divisional match-up Friday night at the Jack Goddard Memorial Arena.
The Rebels went up 2-0 quickly with Cal Owens scoring 34 seconds into the game and Ryan Rosich scoring two minutes later.
Bryson Yee brought the Bruins within one (assisted by Mitch Pearson and Stephan Shikaze) at 14:49.
Rebs went up 3-1 12 seconds later with a goal by Mike Bhatoa.
Grand Forks had several chances to get even in the first period but couldn't finish.
The visitors scored two early goals once again in the second to take a 5-1 lead.
Pearson scored the Bruins final goal at 12:52 of the second assisted by Lukas Peters and Josh Gladman.
Starting netminder Kiernan Matsuba was pulled after giving up five goals on 12 shots. Mark Pearson fared a little better, turning away 17 shots out of 20 after replacing Matsuba early in the second.
The Border Bruins were back in action Tuesday night (after press time) at home against the Nelson Leafs. The team then travels to Fruitvale on Saturday for a match-up against Beaver Valley.
Veteran forward Lincoln Lane leads the Bruins with 27 points in 25 games including six goals and 21 assists. Centre Michael Rand is second with 13 goals and 22 points. Third in team scoring is Matt Lucero with 19 points including nine goals. Captain Tucker Brown leads the team in penalty minutes with 63.
Jacob Mullen is the top goalie for the Border Bears with three wins in 17 games and a 3.91 goals against average.